Apparatus and method for non-invasive measurement of current functional state and adaptive response in humans

ABSTRACT

An apparatus and method for non-invasively assessing the functional state and state of homeostasis of a human. Specifically selected and designed tests provide efficient and comprehensive and/or targeted assessment, depending on which tests are selected. The tests preferably include heart rate variability, differential ECG, omega brain wave, jump and stimulus response tests. The non-invasive manner of data recording permits frequent testing which is critical in assessing adaptive response and other performance criteria. The sensors, interface/adapter and computing device are preferably lightweight to promote portability.

CROSS REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

[0001] This application claims the benefit of earlier filed U.S.provisional patent application, No. 60/204,424, filed May 13, 2000, bythe inventors listed above and entitled Apparatus and Method forDiagnosing Physical State and Potential.

FIELD OF THE INVENTION

[0002] The present invention relates to non-invasive and/or indirectdetermination of a person's current functional state and state ofhomeostasis. The present invention also monitors adaptive response to astress.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

[0003] The human body is constantly being stressed (The Stress of Life,Hans Selye, MD, McGraw Hill, rev. ed., (1978)). Positive adaptation tostress can lead to an improved physical state (e.g., athletic training),while a breakdown in adaptation can result in the onset of significantmedical conditions (e.g., heart attack, etc.).

[0004] Monitoring changes in a person's functional state and state ofhomeostasis provides an understanding of that person's adaptation tostress. In order to see changes in a person's functional state and stateof homeostasis, testing must be done on a frequent basis and mustinclude test of the major systems in the human body. These include thesystems that regulate cardiac activity, energy metabolism, the centralnervous system, the gas exchange and cardio-pulmonary (circulatory)system, the detoxification system and the homonal (adrenal) system.

[0005] Various invasive and non-invasive tests are known for assessingthe functional state of a person. Invasive tests include blood tests andbiopsies, etc., that damage tissue in carrying out the test.Disadvantages of invasive tests include pain, tissue damage, risk ofinfection and inability to perform the test with high frequency (due tothe associated tissue damage). Invasive tests also tend to be relativelyexpensive and often require a visit to a medical facility (as opposed tohome or field use).

[0006] Pseudo-invasive tests include tests that are not literallyinvasive, but which cannot be repeated with high regularity due todeleterious effects on the body. Examples include X-rays (excessradiation) and VO2 maximum treadmill tests which require a person to runto exhaustion (this may be difficult or impossible for person in aweakened physical state to perform regularly). With the exception ofdirect tissue damage, pseudo-invasive tests tend to suffer from the samedisadvantages listed above for invasive tests.

[0007] In contrast to invasive tests, non-invasive tests tend to havemuch lower incidence of tissue damage or the like and, therefore, theycan be practiced with higher frequency. Examples include temperature andblood pressure testing. While non-invasive tests are beneficial in thatthey can be practiced more regularly and tend to be less expensive, theyare also disadvantageous in that they tend to provide a limited, directmeasurement of a physical condition parameter. For example, a bloodpressure reading simple states the current blood pressure, but does notprovide information on what body system or systems are functioningimproperly and causing the blood pressure to be high or low.

[0008] In order to better assess a person's health and adaptiveresponse, it is desirable and part of the present invention to obtainand generate more information about that person's current functionalstate. This can be done in part by making indirect assessment of aperson's health based on directly measured parameters. It can also bedone by testing a greater number of body systems and/or strategicallyselecting or designing tests that provide comprehensive assessment datafrom a small number of tests.

[0009] While the present invention (as discussed in more detail below)provides a patentably distinct testing apparatus and method, prior arttechniques for indirectly assessing functional state are known. Forexample, it is known to calculate V02 maximum from heart rate responsein a step test or from a differential ECG.

[0010] While some non-invasive, indirect tests and testing proceduresare known in the art, prior teachings in this area are disadvantageousin that they fail to recognize that specific combinations of tests canprovide more comprehensive, efficient and inexpensive assessment ofcurrent functional state and/or adaptive response. As a result, theprior art fails to address the problems discussed in the initialparagraphs above, amongst other problems.

[0011] A need thus exists for an apparatus and a method that provide acombination of non-invasive tests that more comprehensively, efficientlyand inexpensively assess a person's current functional state and theirstate of homeostasis. A need also exists for an apparatus and a methodthat permit frequent testing due at least in part to non-invasive andnon-stressful testing practices.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

[0012] Accordingly, it is an object of the present invention to providecomprehensive, efficient and inexpensive assessment of a person'scurrent functional state. This may include their adaptive response to astress and/or potential for physical work.

[0013] It is another object of the present invention to provide thisassessment in a non-invasive manner.

[0014] It is another object of the present invention to developindirectly determined parameters or conclusions from non-invasivelymeasured data.

[0015] It is another object of the present invention to provide orperform specific combinations of non-invasive tests to facilitatetargeted assessment of functional state.

[0016] It is also an object of the present invention to provide thisassessment in a manner that permits frequent testing.

[0017] These and related objects of the present invention are achievedby use of an apparatus and method of non-invasive measurement of currentfunctional state and adaptive response in humans as described herein.

[0018] In one embodiment, the present invention includes a sensed datareceiving circuit or logic and processing logic coupled thereto. Theprocessing logic preferably conducts at least two body system functionalstate tests from the group of tests including: heart rate variability,differential ECG, brain wave, jump and stimulus response tests. Theprocessing logic preferably processes received sensed data and generatedsignals representative of a textual conclusion of the functional stateof a body system that corresponds to a given text.

[0019] In another embodiment, the present invention includes processinglogic that monitors both cardiac activity and brain wave activity inassessing the functional state of one or more body system.

[0020] In another embodiment, the present invention includes processinglogic that uses rules-based analysis to interpret sensed data, and mayfurther utilize the rules-bases analysis to generate textual conclusionsof functional state.

[0021] Processing logic with the present invention may generate indicesfrom sensed data and then interpret one or more indices to generate aparticular conclusion regarding the functional state of a correspondingbody system.

[0022] The present invention includes both apparatus and methodembodiments of carrying out these, related and other features.

[0023] The attainment of the foregoing and related advantages andfeatures of the invention should be more readily apparent to thoseskilled in the art, after review of the following more detaileddescription of the invention taken together with the drawings.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0024]FIG. 1 is a diagrammatic representation of a non-invasive testingsystem in accordance with the present invention.

[0025]FIG. 2 is a schematic diagram of an interface device 40 inaccordance with the present invention.

[0026]FIG. 3 is a diagram that provides a general overview of testingprocedures in accordance with the present invention.

[0027]FIG. 4 is a diagram that generally illustrates the steps ofconducting one or more body system tests in accordance with the presentinvention.

[0028]FIG. 5 is a flow diagram of machine executable steps for arepresentative HRV test in accordance with the present invention.

[0029]FIG. 6 illustrates a display of data generated in the HRV test ofFIG. 5 in accordance with the present invention.

[0030]FIG. 7 is a flow diagram of machine executable steps for arepresentative differential ECG test in accordance with the presentinvention.

[0031]FIG. 8 illustrates a display of data generated in the DECG test ofFIG. 7 in accordance with the present invention.

[0032]FIG. 9 is a flow diagram of machine executable steps for arepresentative omega brain wave test in accordance with the presentinvention.

[0033]FIG. 10 is a display of data generated in the omega wave test ofFIG. 9 in accordance with the present invention.

[0034]FIG. 11 is a diagram that illustrates an interpretation ofdifferences between base and post-load omega potentials in accordancewith the present invention.

[0035]FIG. 12 is a flow diagram of machine executable steps for arepresentative jump test in accordance with the present invention.

[0036]FIG. 13 is a flow diagram of machine executable steps for arepresentative stimulus response test in accordance with the presentinvention.

[0037]FIG. 14 is a flow diagram of rules-based analysis in accordancewith the present invention.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0038] Homeostasis is the tendency to maintain internal stability withinan organism by coordinated responses of the organ systems thatautomatically compensate for external stresses. In the human body, themajor organ or body systems include cardiac, metabolic, circulatory,detoxification, hormonal (adrenal), central nervous (CN) andneuromuscular systems. The present invention provides for a plurality oftests that monitor the organ or body systems. Tests within the presentinvention include, but are not limited to, heart rate variability (HRV),differential ECG (DECG), omega brain wave (OW), jump and stimulusresponse (SR) tests. The present invention assists in identifying whichbody systems are not functioning properly, i.e., affecting homeostasis,and how the body may be responding to a particular stress, e.g.,exercise, dieting, illness, heart attach recovery, etc. Five preferredtests and the equipment for conducting those tests are now disclosed.While five tests are described in herein, the practice of at least acombination of any two or more of these tests is considered to be withinthe present invention.

[0039]FIG. 1 is a diagrammatic representation of a non-invasivediagnostic testing system 10 in accordance with the present invention.FIG. 1 illustrates one embodiment of preferred components of the systemand various electrode/sensor placements on the human body. Table I belowprovides a list of physical tests preferably conducted by the equipmentof FIG. 1 and the corresponding body systems that are monitored by thosetests. TABLE I Body System Tests Tests Body System Examined 1. HeartRate Variability Cardio System 2. Differential ECG Metabolic 3. OmegaWave Circulation, Detox, Adrenal, CN 4. Jump Neuro -Muscular 5. StimulusResponse CN

[0040] These five tests are preferred because they provide a relativelycomprehensive assessment of functional state, by virtue of the variousbody systems that they measure/monitor. It should be recognized,however, that individual tests or combinations of tests (less than all),particularly when assessing a specific condition or response, may beperformed as an alternative to conducting all tests. It should also berecognized that additional tests may be performed, e.g., a conventionECG, etc., and that the non-invasive tests taught herein may be usedwith or without invasive tests to determine the functional state of aperson.

[0041] The non-invasive diagnostic system 10 includes a plurality ofsensors 21-31 (sensors 30 and 31 are provided in the reaction button 38and contact mat 39, respectively) for assessing the functional state ofa person receiving a test (PRT) 15. These sensors are coupled to aninterface device (ID) 40 that functions to channel signals through to acomputing device (CD) 50 and to protect a person receiving a test (PRT)from electrical shock. ID 40 (which is discussed in more detail withreference to FIG. 2) preferably amplifies, filters and digitizes analogsignals from the sensors.

[0042] CD 50 may be a conventional computer (laptop, personal or other)or another computing device (for example, that includes processingcircuitry, memory, operator input control and a display element oraccess to same). In FIG. 1, CD 50 is illustrated as a personal computer50 with a keyboard 51, a monitor 52 and processing logic 53. CD 50 maybe coupled to a printer 60 to generate, for example, a printed copy oftest results.

[0043] Referring to FIG. 2, a schematic diagram of an interface device40 in accordance with the present invention is shown. ID 40 preferablyincludes a plurality of sensor ports: ECG1 (33) for HRV sensors 21-24,ECG2 (34) for additional DECG sensors 25-27, omega port (35) for theomega wave sensors 28-29, jump port (36) for the jump sensor 30 andstimulus response (SR) port (37) for the SR sensor 31. Amplifiers 41-43provide amplification of ECG and omega wave signals. Data from each ofthe ports is preferably digitized by ADC 45 and propagated onto bus 46.

[0044] Data flow on and off of bus 46 is controlled in part by PRT-sidemicrocontroller 48. A similar CD-side microcontroller 58 is alsoprovided. These controllers 48,58 are preferably separated by a galvanicisolator 57 which protects a PRT from electric shock due to CD-sidemalfunction. Sensed data is selectively propagated from bus 46 to CD 50.A USB controller or the like 59 controls propagation of sensed data toCD 50 (over cable 44) and receipt of signals from CD 50 such asinitialization and port selection requests, etc.

[0045] Referring to FIG. 3, a high level flow diagram of machineexecutable steps for performing a functional state assessment inaccordance with the present invention is shown. In step 80, logic in CD50 preferably generates a display on monitor 52 that permits a user toselect the test or tests to be performed. Upon selection of a test, flowis routed to the code for executing the selected test (step 81). Blocks82-86 represent logic for executing the tests of Table 1. Each of thesetests in described in more detail below. The RBA block within blocks82-86 represents the preferred rules-based analysis for determiningtextual conclusions of functional state. Step 91 represents code orlogic for displaying test results (which may include calculated indicesand textual conclusions) and step 92 represents print out or longer termstorage of the test results.

[0046] Referring to FIG. 4, a diagram that illustrates the steps ofconducting one or more body system tests in accordance with the presentinvention is shown. In step 110, a person receiving a test (PRT)positions him or herself for sensor attachment. In step 112, the sensorsare attached. In step 114, a user selects a desired test or tests fromCD 50. Depending on the nature of the test(s) and the configuration ofID 40 (i.e., port arrangement, etc.), multiple tests may be conducted atthe same time. In step 115, ID 40 is initialized for appropriate datasensing and data propagation by CD 50. In step 116, the PRT isinstructed to attain or maintain a state of rest or to perform a certainaction, e.g., jump (step 116). In step 117, the machine executable stepsof the selected test(s) is/are carried out by CD 50. After testcompletion, the sensor electrodes are removed or rearranged (step 118)and the results are displayed for review (step 120). The results may bedisplayed on monitor 52 or printed via printer 60 or displayed by someother display mechanism. A description of machine executable steps ofthe test(s) selected in step 114 of FIG. 5 (or step 81 of FIG. 3) is nowpresented.

[0047] Heart Rate Variability (HRV) Test-Cardiac

[0048] The heart rate variability test (HRV) is designed to give anindication of the state of the biological systems that regulate cardiacactivity. The cardiac system functions best when it is regulated by theautonomic circuit. When homeostasis is broken (unbalanced) higher levelsof the central regulatory system dominate cardiac activity. Thesechanges in regulation are reflected in the variability of the heartrhythm. Processing cardiac signals as discussed below permitsquantitative and qualitative analysis of the functional state of cardiacactivity.

[0049] The following is a representative HRV test. It should berecognized that HRV tests that differ from that taught below are withinthe present invention when similar or producing similar results or whenprovided with one or more of the other types of tests taught herein.

[0050] In general, an HRV test conducted via system 10 records sensordata, constructs charts or “grams” (i.e., scatter-grams, histograms,frequency spectrum-grams, etc.) that reflect the sensed data, calculatesindices from the grams and data, and performs rules based analysis ofthe indices values to generate textual conclusions of the functionalstate of cardiac activity.

[0051] A representative HRV test is described with reference to FIG. 5,which illustrates a flow diagram of machine executing steps for a HRVtest in accordance with the present invention. The steps of FIG. 5 andthose of the other tests described herein are preferably achieved withapplication software executing on the processor of CD 50 or viaexecution of machine executable steps using other current or futuredeveloped technology. FIG. 6 illustrate a representative display of HRVtest results that preferably includes a cardiogram, the above-mentionedcharts/grams and textual conclusions of functional state.

[0052] In this representative HRV test, four electrode sensors arepreferably utilized and they are preferably placed one each on thewrists and ankles. One sensor electrode is a ground and the other threecollect standard ECG data or the like. Alternative sensor placement maybe utilized. The HRV test is based on the registration of cardiaccontractions of standard electrocardiogram (ECG) readings over thecourse of a fixed span of time. The test records the change of periodlength (in seconds) between each cardiac contraction which is the timebetween ECG spikes, which are designated with the letter R.

[0053] After initialization of ID 40, cardiac muscle electrical activityis recorded for a fixed time period, e.g., 128 seconds (step 152). Afixed number of consecutive heart beat intervals (RR intervals), e.g.,100, is selected and analyzed (step 154). The intervals are processed inthis preferred method using a fast fourrier transformation to achievefrequency spectrum analysis (step 156) and the density of intervalfrequencies is plotted in a frequency spectrum-gram 191 (step 158, seeFIG. 6). Frequency spectrum analysis is known in the art. The followingfrequency ranges are preferably plotted: high frequency=0.15 to 0.4 Hz;low frequency=0.04 to 0.15 Hz; and very low frequency=0.004 to 0.04 Hz.A histogram 192 and a scattergram 193 are also preferably generated anddisplayed (step 160).

[0054] In steps 172, various preferred indices for cardio systemperformance are respectively calculated based on frequency spectrum andother data and these include:

[0055] Vagus (parasympathetic) Regulation (VR);

[0056] Humoral Regulation (HR);

[0057] Sympathetic Regulation (SR);

[0058] Stress Index;

[0059] Share of aperiodic influences;

[0060] Standard deviation; and

[0061] Frequency of Cardiac Contractions (FCC).

[0062] Calculation of these or related indices is known in the art. (SeeBaevskiy, R. M., et al., Mathematical Analysis of Changes in Heart RateRhythm Under Stress, Moscow Science, 1984).

[0063] These indices (194) are interpreted (step 181) to generate (step182) textual conclusions about the functional state of cardiac activity.This is preferably done with a rules-based analysis discussed below.Condition statements are preferably generated for at least:

[0064] 1. type of rhythm;

[0065] 2. type of regulation of rhythm; and

[0066] 3. type of vegetative homeostasis.

[0067] The type of rhythm is the heart beat rate. Type of regulation isbased on VR (related to a norm) and conclusions may include sinusarrythmia (which is normal), stable rhythm, pace-maker dysfunction, etc.Type of vegetative homeostasis is based on HR, VR, and SR and reflectsan evaluation of the balance between parasympathetic and sympatheticregulation of the heart. The indices may also be used to generate otherconclusions about the functional state of the cardiac system includingdegree of stress of the regulatory mechanism (from normal to state ofdysfunction), reserve status (from high to very low), readiness ofsystem for loads (from optional to severe cardiac dysfunction demandingimmediate cardiology consultation) and adaptation to external influences(from stable to breakdown in adaptation).

[0068] The textual conclusion are depicted with reference number 195 inFIG. 6.

[0069] Differential ECG (DECG) Test-Metabolism

[0070] The heart is a cardiac muscle and energy metabolism in the heartcan be monitored with an ECG. Since there is a known correlation betweenenergy metabolism in cardiac muscles and in skeletal muscles,conclusions about the state of skeletal muscles can be drawn fromanalysis of cardiac muscle energy metabolism.

[0071] A representative DECG test is described with reference to of FIG.7, which illustrates a flow diagram of a machine executing steps for aDECG test in accordance with the present invention. It should berecognized that various DECG tests may be utilized without departingfrom the present invention. FIG. 8 illustrates a representative displayof DECG test results that preferably includes calculated indices andtextual conclusions of the functional state of the metabolic system.

[0072] To perform a representative DECG test, seven electrode sensors21-27 are preferably utilized. These include the four electrodes used inthe HRV test 21-24 and three more electrodes 25-27 that are place on thechest in a standard ECG arrangement, though 26 is preferably placed onthe right side of the chest.

[0073] In step 201, ID 40 is initialized and ECG data is recorded fromeach sensor for a predefined time period, e.g., 120 seconds. Thereceived ECG signals from the chest sensor electrodes are preferablydifferentiated (step 203) and analyzed (step 205). A subset, e.g., 10-60(30 in the present example), of consecutive QRS complexes (peak andrecovery of differentiated heart beat contraction) are analyzed and Rand S values are ascertained (step 207).

[0074] In steps 210, indices for the representative DECG test aregenerated from the sensed data (preferably including averaged R and Svalues). These indices include the anaerobic power index (API) which isthe magnitude of maximum oxygen consumption, VO2 max, the alacticcapacity index (ALCI), the lactic capacity index (LCI), the anaerobiccapacity index (ACI), the aerobic efficiency index (AEI), and the systemadaptation index (SAI). Calculation of these or related indices is knownin the art. (See publications of Kiev Sports Medicine University byBeregovog, V. Y., or Dushanin, S. A. (1986)).

[0075] These indices are then analyzed (step 220) to generate textualconclusions about the functional state of the metabolic system. Thisanalysis is preferably carried out using a rules-based analysis asdiscussed below. The generated condition statements preferably address:

[0076] 1. state of functional reserves;

[0077] 2. speed of recovery process;

[0078] 3. resistance to hypoxia (oxygen debt); and

[0079] 4. aerobic reserves.

[0080] Each of these items may range from high to low and the generatetextual conclusions preferably state the corresponding level.

[0081] The indices and textual conclusion are depicted in FIG. 8 withreference numerals 230 and 235, respectively.

[0082] Omega Wave (OW) Test-Circulatory, Detox, Hormonal, CN

[0083] Omega brain waves and omega brain wave potential (an electricalmeasurement of omega brain wave magnitude) have been shown to have arelationship to the performance of the central nervous, circulatory,detoxification and hormonal systems.

[0084] The following is a representative omega wave (OW) test. It shouldbe recognized that tests that differ from that taught below are withinthe present invention when similar or producing similar results or whencombined with one or more of the other tests taught herein.

[0085] A representative test is described with reference to FIG. 9,which illustrates a flow diagram of machine executable steps for a OWtest in accordance with the present invention. FIG. 10 illustrate adisplay of OW test results that preferably includes charts of restingomega potential v. time, post-load omega potential v. time and textualconclusions of functional state. The textual conclusions discussed belowand those shown in part in FIG. 11 are not shown in FIG. 10.

[0086] The base omega potential at rest has been identified as anindicator of the level of the functional state of the central nervoussystem and its adaptive reserves. Three levels of base omega potentialhave been empirically differentiated in healthy people and these are lowlevel (<0 mV), medium level (0-40 mV), and high level (41-60 mV). Lowlevel is characterized by a lowered level of wakefulness, quickexhaustion of psychic and physical functions, unstable adaptivereactions and limited adaptive potential. Medium level is characterizedby an optimal level of wakefulness, high stability of psychic andphysical functions, sufficient adaptive potential and stable adaptivereactions. High level is characterized by a state of psychic-emotionaltension, high stability in response to loads and adequate adaptivereactions.

[0087] Iberal and McCullock have shown in their research that there is atime scale for turning on various system resources in response to astress (i.e., post-load potential). Empirical data has shown that thedynamics of omega potential after an external stress are closely relatedto the dynamics of various body system processes being turned on. As aresult, three time zones of omega potential change, after a singlestress load, have been identified and they are Zone A (0-1.5 minutes),Zone B (1.5-4 minutes), and Zone C (4-7 minutes). Zone A characterizesthe functional state of the cardio-respiratory (circulatory) system.Zone B characterizes the functional state of the detoxification system(i.e. gastro-intestinal tract, liver and kidneys, etc.). Zone Ccharacterizes the functional state of the hypothalmic, hypophysial andadrenal glands (hormonal system).

[0088] The omega wave test is preferably conducted with chlorine-silverweak-isolating electrodes. The electrodes are placed on the test subject(one at the center of the test subject's forehead and one at the base ofthe right thumb) while the test subject is either sitting or lying in astate of rest.

[0089] In step 301, processing logic on CD 50 generates a test startsignal and initiates receipt of sensed omega wave potential from ID 40.These signals are preferably recorded for a pre-defined time period(step 303), preferably approximately seven minutes, after which a testend signal is generated. Plot 330, generated in step 305, illustrates arepresentative plot of this data. The base potential provides a baseline from which to access post-load potential.

[0090] To perform the post-load assessment, a start signal is generatedby CD 50 (step 307) and the PRT undertakes a physical load such as oneor two rapid knee bends. The omega potential of the PRT is recorded fora fixed period of time (step 309), approximately seven minutes, afterwhich an end test signal is generated. A graphic representation of theresults of the post-load test is preferably generated and plotted asplot 335 (step 313).

[0091] The base and post-load potentials are then compared (step 315) ineach zone and textual conclusions (step 317) are generated based on thepercent difference between the base and post-load potentials, consistentwith the chart of FIG. 11. The textual conclusions are preferablygenerated with a rules-based analysis as discussed below.

[0092] In Zone A (circulation), the textual results preferably indicatea state ranging from significant hyperfunction to normal to significanthypofuntion.

[0093] In Zone B (detoxification), the textual results preferablyindicate a state ranging from normal function to markedly overloaded.

[0094] In Zone C (hormonal-adrenal), the textual results preferablyindicate a state ranging from significant hyperfunction to normal tosignificant hypofuntion.

[0095] With respect to the central nervous system (CNS), textualconclusions, based on the measured base omega potentials (discussedabove) are also preferably generated. These include conclusions thataddress the state of adaptive reaction of the CNS (ranging from adequateto a restriction in the effectiveness and quality of the adaptationreaction), resistance of CNS to physical and psychic loads (ranging fromsatisfactory to low resistance) and level of activity of CNS (rangingfrom optimal to low).

[0096] Jump Test—Neuro-Muscular

[0097] Referring to FIG. 12, a flow diagram of machine executable stepsfor a representative jump test in accordance with the present inventionis shown.

[0098] The following is a representative jump test. It should berecognized that tests that differ from that taught below are within thepresent invention when similar or producing similar results or whencombined with one or more of the other tests taught herein.

[0099] The jump test preferably includes one or more of the severalcomponent jump tests. The component jump tests preferably include asingle series, a ten second and sixty second jump test.

[0100] In the single series test, CD 50 prompts a PRT to jump a fixednumber of times, e.g. five (step 351). A jump is completed before asignal for the next jump is issued. Time of flight is measured (step353) to calculate jump height (step 355). Averaged values are preferablycalculated. This test measures readiness for explosive efforts andgenerates appropriate textual conclusions (step 359) based onperformance (from high readiness to low readiness).

[0101] The ten second jump test is designed to monitor speed and powerpotential in the alactic regime. CD 50 generates a start signal (step361) and a PRT jumps as high and as often as he or she can in tenseconds. Number of jumps, time in air, i.e. height, and time on contactsurface (which represents rest or readjustment) are measured (step 363).These parameters are essentially indices and they are interpreted togenerate the textual conclusions stated below.

[0102] The sixty second test is similar, but lasts for sixty seconds. Itis designed to monitor speed and power potential in the lactic regime.

[0103] Textual conclusions for the ten second test include speed andpower in the alactic regime (from high specific power to low specificpower) and share of speed and power components (from dominance of speedto shared to dominance of power).

[0104] Textual conclusions for the sixty second test include speed andpower potential in the lactic regime (from high specific power to lowspecific power) and speed-power endurance (from high to low).

[0105] The textual conclusions are preferably generated with arules-based analysis of jump test data.

[0106] Stimulus Response (SR) Test—Central Nervous System (CN)

[0107] Referring to FIG. 13, a flow diagram of machine executable stepsfor a representative stimulus response test in accordance with thepresent invention is shown.

[0108] The following is a representative stimulus response test. Itshould be recognized that tests that differ from that taught below arewithin the present invention when similar or producing similar resultsor when combined with one or more of the other tests taught herein. Itshould also be recognized that while sound is used as the stimulus inthe test below, other sensory signals may be used such as those based onlight, visual cues, mechanical or tactile sensation, etc.

[0109] The SR test monitors the functional state of the central nervoussystem and, more specifically, reaction capabilities. The testpreferably consists of a series of sounds generated in a fixed timeperiod to which a PRT has to respond.

[0110] CD 50 generates a test start signal (step 381) and then randomlygenerates fifty sounds in a one minute period (step 383). The PRTpresses button 38 (FIG. 1) in response to each sound. The delay inresponse is measured for each sound (step 385). This data is processedto determine the speed and consistency of response (step 387). Mistakessuch as pressing the button too soon (anticipating the sound) or toolate (loss of concentration) are also recorded.

[0111] These parameters or indices are then analyzed (389) to generatetextual conclusions that preferably concern:

[0112] 1. ability of the CN to respond;

[0113] 2. stability of the neurological processes that determinereaction rate; and

[0114] 3. reaction rate.

[0115] Each of these items is preferably indicated as ranging from highto low. The textual conclusions are preferably generated with arules-based analysis of stimulus response data.

[0116] Rules-Based Analysis

[0117] Each of the above tests preferably incorporates a rules-basedanalysis to interpret indices, graphs and/or other sensed data and tothen generate therefrom textual conclusions indicative of functionalstate of a PRT. The rules-based analysis preferably includes at least afirst part and a second part, which are shown diagrammatically in FIG.14.

[0118] In a first part (step 401), the values of relevant indices,parameters or omega potential differences, etc. (depending on the test),are examined and classified for each desired conclusion category ortype, e.g., state of functional reserves, in the DECG test. Theclassification may be based on where a value lies in a range of valuescalculated from a wider population, or relative to anotherparameter/index detected during a test (e.g., parasympathetic andsympathetic indices, or base and post-load omega potentials, etc.), orbased on an absolute value or compared to some other appropriatestandard, etc. The classification may also be dependent on theinteraction of multiple indices and/or other information.

[0119] In a second part (step 405), the initial classification isre-analyzed and refined, if necessary, e.g., if it falls within acertain distance of another classification or if there is conflictinginformation, etc. This refinement may include looking at anotherparameter/indices when a value is near the border between two differentclassifications or reclassifying a value due to a significant deviantvalue of another related parameter/index, or to compensate for anoutlier, etc. A change in classification based on refinement will likelylead to a change in textual conclusion. Various rules-based algorithmsare known in the art and these could be modified by a skilledpractitioner to implement the criteria set forth above for the listedtests.

[0120] While the invention has been described in connection withspecific embodiments thereof, it will be understood that it is capableof further modification, and this application is intended to cover anyvariations, uses, or adaptations of the invention following, in general,the principles of the invention and including such departures from thepresent disclosure as come within known or customary practice in the artto which the invention pertains and as may be applied to the essentialfeatures herein before set forth, and as fall within the scope of theinvention and the limits of the appended claims.

1. An apparatus for assessing the functional state and state ofhomeostasis in a human, comprising: a sensed signal input; processinglogic coupled to said sensed signal input that performs two or morefunctional state tests from the group of tests including: heart ratevariability test; differential ECG test; brain wave test; jump test; andstimulus response test; said processing logic being configured toreceive appropriate sensed signals for a given test from said input andto process those signals in such a manner as to produce a signal forthat given test that is representative of a textual conclusion of thefunctional state of a body system that that test is designed to assess.2. The apparatus of claim 1, wherein said signal representative of saidtextual conclusion is generated from a rules-based analysis of senseddata as processed by said processing logic.
 3. The apparatus of claim 1,wherein said processing logic is configured to calculate one or moreindices values for the given test and to interpret said one or moreindices values to general said signal representative of said textualconclusion.
 4. The apparatus of claim 1, further comprising select logicthat permits a user to select which of said two or more tests saidprocessing logic is to perform.
 5. The apparatus of claim 1, furthercomprising a mechanism that non-invasively measures physical parametersof a person under test that correspond to said two or more functionaltests.
 6. The apparatus of claim 1, wherein said processing logicperforms three or more of said functional tests.
 7. The apparatus ofclaim 1, wherein said processing logic performs four or more of saidfunctional tests.
 8. A method of assessing the functional state andstate of homeostasis in a human, comprising the steps: inputting sensedsignals; conducting via machine executable steps a test based on cardiacgenerated sensed signal to assess the functional state of a body system;and conducting via machine executable steps a test based on brain wavesensed signals to assess the functional state of a body system.
 9. Themethod of claim 8, further comprising the steps of: generating indicesfrom said cardiac generated sensed signals or said brain wave sensedsignals; and interpreting said generated indices to create a signalrepresentative of a textual conclusion about the functional state of abody system corresponding said indices.
 10. The method of claim 9,wherein said interpreting step includes the step of using a rules-basedanalysis to carry out said interpretation.